PERSONAL HYGIENE LESSON PLAN

PERSONAL HYGIENE LESSON PLAN OVERVIEW

This lesson plan was developed for educators to use within the classroom to reinforce the Ministry of
Education’s Healthy Living Strand: Human Development and Sexual Health Grade 4 curriculum, strand
D2.4 (2019). Please note: Although hygiene is a focus in the grade 4 curriculum, this lesson plan can be
implemented as needed for various groups of learners.

Materials

• Pre-Teen Hygiene Kit – includes personal hygiene care items for demonstration purposes.
• Handwashing Kit - includes GlitterBug® Potion and black light to complete a handwashing
demonstration.

*Contact your school nurse or send an email to csh@wechu.org to request a kit.

Additional Optional Teaching Aids

• There is in the Facilitator’s Guide for Kahoot Hygiene Presentation support on how to access
and navigate the Kahoot game setup on line.
• Laptops/tablets (enough for each student to participate individually or in groups)
• Teaching Sexual Health.ca- Inclusive Language: Using inclusive language in the classroom can
promote respect, belonging, safety, and care. This approach also takes into account the
circumstances and life experiences that learners may be experiencing. Teachingsexualhealth.ca
provides strategies on how educators can incorporate inclusive language into classroom
practices to foster a healthy learning environment for all.

Activity Objectives
• The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of personal care needs and the
application of personal hygienic practices with the onset of puberty.
• The student will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply health knowledge and social-
emotional learning skills to make reasoned decisions and take appropriate actions relating to
their health and well-being.
• The student will be able to make connections that relate to health and well-being and how their
choices affect themselves and others.

Activity Structure & Suggested Format

• The activity is for students in Grades 4 and up.
• Students of all genders should participate in the activity together.
• This lesson plan can be implemented in multiple ways:

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• In-class demonstration using the Hygiene kit, which includes common hygiene personal
care items with the background information in this lesson plan to support student
learning.
• The Handwashing Kit can be utilized to demonstrate and reinforce proper hand hygiene
techniques and coughing sneezing etiquette to stay healthy.
• Kahoot Hygiene Presentation and Facilitator’s Guide to support slide content and
classroom discussion. The Hygiene Kit can also be utilised during the Kahoot presentation
to provide examples of personal care items. For instructions on how to access and use
the Kahoot Hygiene presentation, please click on the following links:
▪ Kahoot Hygiene Presentation
▪ Kahoot Hygiene Facilitator’s Guide
• Before starting, review the ground rules with the class.

Content/Activities

Brainstorming Activity Discussion Points:

• According to Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Children and Youth (5-17 years),
what is the minimum daily physical activity children and teens are supposed to have each day?
• Children 5-17 years should have a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous
intensity physical activity daily. They should sweat and breathe a little harder, and their
heart rate should increase.
• What kinds of activities can you do?
• Basketball, walking, biking, fitness/yoga classes. Being physically active will increase
coordination, agility, flexibility, muscular endurance, strength, balance, and cardio-
respiratory endurance (the ability of the heart and lungs to perform during activities).

Ice Breaker Activity:

Have the group do a short physical activity (ex. jumping jacks, running on the spot) for approx. 30
seconds to 1 minute.
Have students identify changes to the body after physical activity.
Discussion: What do you notice happens to your body after being physically active?
• Increased heart rate, sweat, messy or damp hair, smell, or body odour. Allow these points to
lead into the discussion about the importance of hygiene.

Skin Care/Body Care during Puberty and Beyond Lesson Background Information
Choose talking points based on the target audience.
Use as background information to support Kahoot Classroom Activity or discussion with Hygiene Kit.
• Just as some glands produce oil, sweat glands can produce sweat (perspiration).
• Perspiration is very important as it helps the body to regulate its temperature. Perspiration cools
the skin to help in regulating and cooling the body overall. Perspiration can be triggered by heat,
physical activity, physical stress, pain, mental stress, and hormone changes (puberty).
• There are two different kinds of sweat glands.

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• The first type of glands are called the eccrine glands. They produce perspiration that is clear and
odourless. These glands start working from birth.
• The second type are called apocrine glands and only become active when puberty starts. They
produce a different kind of perspiration, which can smell unpleasant when it comes in contact
with bacteria on the skin. This smell is known as body odour (B.O.). Many apocrine glands are
located under the arms, in the genital area, and on the scalp.
*Sweat glands are everywhere on your body, except on your lips and ears. Ask students to guess how
many each person has on their body (about 2.5 million!).

Body Care and ways to help decrease body odour:

• Bathe regularly – this is the first step in controlling perspiration and body odour. Bathing helps
remove dirt and oil from the skin and reduces the bacteria that can cause body odour.
• Change underwear and socks daily; change clothes regularly.
• Change your clothes more often if physically active during the day.
• Use antiperspirants - these help to stop body odour from developing by reducing underarm
wetness by temporarily blocking sweat pores, thereby reducing the amount of sweat reaching
the skin and mixing with bacteria, a main cause of underarm body odour. Antiperspirant is the
only product that actually helps stop sweat.
• Deodorants can also be used which are perfumes to mask or cover up body odour. Deodorants
can eliminate odor but not sweat. They are usually alcohol-based and turn your skin acidic,
making it less attractive to bacteria. Body sprays are also a type of deodorant.
*Be aware of the amount being used due to the perfume sensitivities of those around you.
• Deodorant and antiperspirant come in different types - solids, roll-on, aerosol and soft solids.
*Myth: This is no evidence that the aluminum used in antiperspirants increases your risk for breast
cancer.
• The purpose of perspiration is to cool your body – not get rid of toxins. Your liver and kidneys
play the biggest role in doing this in your body. Canadian Cancer Society, Do antiperspirants
cause breast cancer?

Acne
• Acne is a normal occurrence during puberty and sometimes throughout adulthood.
• Caused by overactive oil glands and occurs when pores become plugged. Causes include
genetics, hormones, oil, and bacteria.
• Everyone’s bodies are different and may have different skin care needs.

*Myth: There is no evidence that chocolate and French fries cause acne. More likely, hands are touching
the face after eating and clogging pores.
*There are characteristics of your lifestyle that are thought to contribute to acne and can include skin
irritants (i.e., chin strap, bra strap, hats), pore-clogging cosmetics/not properly removing make-up daily,
sweating, over washing/exfoliating the skin, certain medications, changes in hormones due to menstrual
cycle, picking or squeezing acne spots, sun, and stress.

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Daily facial care.

• To get rid of dirt and oil on the face, wash twice daily (morning and night) with a gentle soap or
cleanser. Choose a product that will benefit your skin type (ex. for oily or dry skin) or see a health
care professional to discuss skin care options.

Other ways to help prevent acne:

• Use sunscreen daily. This will help protect the natural skin barrier and work by absorbing or
reflecting the sun’s UV rays away from your skin. All skin types should use sunscreen. Please
note, that skin is more sensitive to UV rays when using acne treatment products.
• Wash pillowcases and sheets regularly.
• Do not squeeze or pop pimples. This can spread acne-causing bacteria and can lead to scarring.
• Manage stress. This can lead to changes in hormone levels.
• Do not scrub too much or too hard. This can lead to skin irritation and aggravate acne.
• If choosing to use make-up on your skin, use non-comedogenic (will not clog pores) products,
remove daily and wash brushes regularly.

Healthy Hair
• Dull and limp hair is caused by dirt, dust, pollution, and perspiration.
• Hair can be damaged by heat (from curling irons and hair dryers), brush rollers, over-teasing,
dyes and bleaches, brushes with sharp bristles, and styles that tug at the roots.
• Styling products can be used and have different functions: Gels hold shape and styles; mousses
give a softer hold and sometimes add extra volume; hair spray holds style (too much can make
hair sticky or hard looking), waxes may hold styles as well.
• There are shampoos and conditioners for all hair types: normal, dry, fine, curly, coarse, and oily.
• Wash as frequently as required based on hair type and rinse thoroughly. Shampoo will help
remove dirt, oil, and hair products. Conditioners will help detangle and add moisture to the hair
and help protect it from damage. Shampoo should be applied first, then rinsed out, followed by
conditioner.
• If hair looks greasy or dirty between washings, it may need to be washed more frequently.
• Swimming may cause damage to hair because of chemicals in the water. It is recommended to
use shampoo and conditioner immediately after.
• If hair is cut very short, use sunscreen to protect the scalp, neck, and ears from burning when
outside.

Body hair
• During puberty, there may be an increase in hair on different parts of the body such as the legs,
under the arms, chest, upper lip or chin, and genital area. Choosing to remove body hair is an
individual choice based on personal reasons. It is important to respect the choice of the
individual. Some may choose to shave this hair, and may not need to shave very often at first.

*Myth: Shaving does not cause hair to grow back thicker or faster. Mayo- Expert Answers Does shaving
unwanted body hair makes it grow back thicker and darker?

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How to shave safely:

1. Prepare the skin: rinse the area to be shaved with warm water to open the pores.
2. Apply a thin layer of shaving cream or gel to help reduce skin irritation. Shave the easy areas
first.
3. Start with light/gentle strokes in the direction the hair grows to avoid irritation razor burn.
4. Rinse the skin and pat dry. Apply a moisturizer to seal in the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

*Do not share razors to avoid possible transmission of infections and change your razor regularly. Dull
razors can irritate the skin.
*If planning to shave for the first time, it is recommended to talk to a trusted adult first.

Dental care.
• Good care of your mouth is important in the prevention of cavities and bad breath, also known
as halitosis. Persistent bad breath can be a sign of gum disease or dry mouth. Things you can do
to keep your mouth healthy and fresh:
▪ Brush with toothpaste for 2 minutes at least twice a day, first thing in the morning and
before bed.
▪ Always use a soft bristle brush and a toothpaste containing fluoride. Brush teeth on all
surfaces. Finish with the tongue, the roof of the mouth (palate), and floss between all of
the teeth.
▪ When snacking and you do not have access to a toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water
whenever possible.
▪ Visit the dentist regularly for a cleaning and check-up (minimum yearly).
▪ Change your toothbrush every 3 months or when able.

*The WECHU has dental programs that might support a student who does not have dental coverage:
Health Smiles.

Germ Lesson:

This lesson can be completed using the WECHU Handwashing Kit (GlitterBug® Potion and blacklight).
Contact your school nurse, or contact csh@wechu.org to borrow this kit or make your own by following
this link.

Ice Breaker:
1) Tennis Ball Activity: To demonstrate how germs are spread, “sneeze” on the tennis ball with
the spray bottle filled with water and toss the ball to a student. Tell them to pass the tennis
ball quickly to someone else. Make sure everyone handles the tennis ball. This activity
demonstrates how germs can be spread quickly on the hands. Bacteria and viruses can travel
fast.
2) Spray Bottle Activity - Fill a spray bottle with water and spray the water in the air. This
demonstration shows how respiration droplets can travel from person to person when we
cough or sneeze without covering the mouth/nose or into our hands. Do not forget to wash
your hands or sanitize after.

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*The best way to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough is tightly into your elbow/sleeve.

What are germs? Discuss what they are and how to prevent from getting sick:
▪ Germs also known as bugs (viruses or bacteria) are tiny living organisms that cannot be seen by
the eye alone. Germs can ONLY be seen by using a microscope.

DISCUSSION ACTIVITY:
Sometimes we use other words for germs. What are they?
• Bugs, microbes, fungi, protozoa, viruses, or bacteria. Viruses and bacteria are the most common.

Bacteria come in all shapes: round, straight rods, twisted spirals, long, thin, and narrow with spindly
legs. Viruses tend to be round in shape with spikes, tadpole-like, puffy or bumpy (under a microscope).
Since there are different types, there are different methods to treat them if medication is required.
(Can show images of bacteria and viruses from the Hand Hygiene Bug Out book for grades 4-6 located in
the handwashing kit.)

Bacteria are tiny, one-celled creatures that get nutrients from their environments to live. In some cases,
that environment is a human body. Bacteria can reproduce outside of the body or within the body and
can cause infections. Not all bacteria are bad. Some bacteria are good for our bodies and can help keep
things in balance. Good bacteria live in our intestines and help us use the nutrients in the food we eat
and make waste from what is left over. We could not make the most of a healthy meal without these
important helper germs! Some bacteria and viruses are also used by scientists in labs to produce
medicines and vaccines.

Viruses need to be inside living cells to grow and reproduce. Most viruses cannot survive very long if
they are not inside a living thing like a plant, animal, or person. Whatever a virus is living in is called a
host. When viruses get inside people's bodies, they can spread and make people sick. Some viruses can
live for a short time on things such as doorknobs or countertops.

Can you name any bacteria or viruses?

• Bacteria may be E. coli, salmonella, shigella, streptococci, staphylococcus pneumonia or aureus,
Haemophilus, or Helicobacter pylori.
• Viruses may be chickenpox, measles, mumps, flu, H1Ni, Ebola, Hepatitis A, B, C, COVID-19
• Some can cause ear infections, tonsillitis, strep throat, cavities, or pneumonia. Some cause worse
things such as severe diarrhea or damage of internal organs and death.

Where do we find them? Where do they live?

• Everywhere: doorknobs, toys, other people, keyboards, contaminated food, water, soil. Some
enjoy the heat and some can hibernate in the freezing cold. Germs can also be found in plants,
animals, as well as in the body.

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• Some bacteria can be good for you by helping to digest food and absorb nutrients. They can help
in the production of certain foods like cheese and yogurt. Other germs can cause diseases and
can make people sick such as a cold or the flu (viruses).

What are some ways to help stay healthy?

• Eating healthy, regular exercise, proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, not sharing food or
drinks with others, regular check-ups with your health care provider, getting the flu shot and
immunizations, staying home when you don’t feel well, resting and sleeping, staying away from
others who are sick, take all medication as prescribed, and proper hand washing and hygiene.

These are the best methods to prevent the spread of germs:

• Cough into your sleeve.
• Use a tissue and dispose of it in a garbage container then wash your hands.
• Wash your hands after sneezing or coughing.
• Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating.
• Use hand sanitizer if no soap or water is available.
• To help prevent a urinary infection for persons with a vagina, remember to wipe from front to
back with toilet paper after using the bathroom.

Handwashing videos:
• Handwashing Heroes - Government of Canada(French)
• What you need to Know about Handwashing – Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
(French)

Coughing etiquette and hand hygiene how-to posters- WECHU

Hand-Washing Lesson: Use the borrowed Handwashing Kit to increase knowledge of commonly
missed areas during handwashing or make your own handwashing activity.

REFERENCE RESOURCES:
Always Changing & Growing Up from Ophea
Bug Out from Red Cross Canada (Booklets included in the WECHU Handwashing Kit)
Canadian Dermatology Association
Ontario Dental Association
Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines

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